Come Close

I've got to be honest with you. This week has [seriously] been one of those weeks.

It all started with not sleeping well, and then it lead straight into a ginormous head cold the size of Mt. Everest. On top of not feeling well, I've got a heavy load this semester and all kinds of commitments that have really started to kick in to gear. Point is, I'm worn out because I'm going, going, going and doing, doing, doing.

But what about stopping? How about breathing?

Does this sound familiar to any of you?

And that's not all. The worst part about this week is that I've been taking my time with God for granted. Instead of being quiet and sitting still in His presence, I've read my everyday devotional, pondered on the ways in which I could relate to it and apply it in my everyday walk with God, and then moved directly on to the next thing on my list. My time with God has been on my "To Do" list. It's become a task.

And this isn't because my breaks have gone out; my remedy doesn't require a mechanic.

I've forgotten how to slam on my breaks; my remedy requires discipline.

In the midst of all the business, it's understandable that slowing down isn't always easy. And, as I sit here and think about how poorly I handled my priorities this week, I'm also reminded by a basic, yet incredibly powerful truth.

Ladies, if we move through life too fast and fail to slow down and appreciate God's precious gift to us, we will miss out on so much. So. Much. We'll become blinded and, as a result, fail to notice the ways in which God is working in our everyday lives- big or small. We must wait on Him and let Him be our guide.

Don't put Him on your "To Do" list. Make Him your number one priority.

Can you imagine all the things that God does in each and every one of our lives by the day? With over 7 plus billion people in this world, you are His number one priority. You. He relentless pursues us, and we should relentlessly pursue Him in return.

I want to challenge you to be intentional about your spiritual disciplines in your walk with God if you aren't already, because that's what it takes- intentionality. Intentionality is key.

Let me show you a glimpse of what this looks like.

Let's take a look at Mark 1:35-39:

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons," [ESV].

Take a moment to reflect on the life of Jesus; all the traveling and preaching he did, all the miracles he performed, the countless amount of time, love, and service that he poured into the hearts of others. Imagine how tired Jesus was at the end of each day. Now reread the verses I just shared with you.

Guess how Jesus kept kept God as his number one priority in the midst of doing all of these things? He was intentional.

I know that we all have all kinds of daily responsibilities to adhere to, but by no means should we make our relationship with God last. Reevaluate your priorities and incorporate God into each and every one of them. This is possible! I promise. You are never too busy to slow down and breathe as you relax in His presence. Walking in His righteousness throughout your daily lives is an incredible thing, but taking a breather to soak in His goodness as you dive into the depths of His love is also important, too.

CAUTION: Saying you're going to do it is one thing. Actually doing it is another. This is why intentionality is so important.

Be intentional ladies. Come close. Draw near.

Afterall,

“He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” -John Piper

About the Author :

Emily Townsend is a 20 year old southern girl who has a heart for loving Jesus, loving others, and serving the world. She is currently pursuing a career in ministry as she continues to fall madly in love with Jesus by the day. Emily is also obsessed with books, coffee, koalas, Pinterest, Pilates, and weddings. Her daily dose of life consists of a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. You can also find her blogging on her personal blog The Joy of My Joy.

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